Clarkson should be ready for Leafs opener, Booth to miss at least four weeks

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Clarkson should be ready for Leafs opener, Booth to miss at least four weeks

TORONTO - Toronto Maple Leafs coach Randy Carlyle met the media Monday afternoon with a piece of paper recording the laundry list of injuries the team is currently saddled with.

The good news is forward David Clarkson, who suffered a fractured orbital bone under his right eye, should be ready for Game 1 of the regular season Oct 8.

"It does not need surgery so we expect him to practice with our hockey club and be a possibility for Friday," said Carlyle.

Clarkson, who was injured in a fight with Sabres tough guy Cody McCormick during the third period of the Leafs' 6-4 win over Buffalo on Friday, says he has no intention of shying away from fighting when needed.

"I'm not going to change my game because of something like that, it was the first time it's happened to me," he said. "I was hitting that reset button getting ready and I'm still getting ready. I'm getting ready to start, but those are those fluky things.

"I'm not going to change the way I play because of it, it's just one of those things that happen."

Clarkson is in the process of figuring out appropriate facial protection, likely a visor or full cage, for when he returns to the ice.

The news isn't as good for David Booth.

The winger suffered a fractured foot after blocking a shot during the first period of Sunday's 3-2 shootout win over the Sabres.

Despite playing another six minutes in the second period, Booth is expected to miss at least four weeks.

Cody Franson's situation is still uncertain at the moment.

The Leafs defenceman was pushed from behind into the end boards by Torrey Mitchell during the third period of Sunday's game and needed help off the ice while putting no weight on his left leg.

Carlyle says Franson suffered a bruised left knee, but that he still needs further assessment. Franson was scheduled to meet with doctors Monday.

"I don't know if it's above his knee or below his knee or right into the knee," said Carlyle. "His knee went underneath him and he banged into the boards. We're still trying to wait for the swelling to come down.

"We'll have to wait till they get a proper assessment. They feel there's no broken bones in there."

Franson didn't travel with the team to Detroit, where the Leafs play the Red Wings in pre-season action Monday night.

The club also announced that camp invite Henrik Tallinder has been let go from his professional tryout.

The defenceman, who suffered a dislocated shoulder in Buffalo, requested a release from his contract so he could seek alternative treatment. Carlyle said the team would be responsible for the defenceman's rehabilitation regardless of where it takes place.

Toronto also cut its camp roster by five additional players.

Forwards Petri Kontiola and Sam Carrick and defenceman Petter Granberg have been assigned to the American Hockey League's Toronto Marlies.

Goaltender Antoine Bibeau has also been assigned to the AHL club, meaning the Leafs will once again start the season with Jonathan Bernier and James Reimer.

Toronto also placed forward Troy Bodie on waivers with the hopes of assigning him to the Marlies should he clear.

Toronto currently has 29 players on its roster, which needs to be reduced to 23 by 5 p.m. eastern time on Oct. 7. Booth will likely start the season on injured reserve and could be joined by Franson depending on the severity of his injury.